title: The relationship of Helicobacter pylori infection and colon neoplasia, on the basis of meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Helicobacter pylori is an important causative factor in gastric carcinogenesis. However, its role in extragastric gastrointestinal malignancies, such as colon neoplasia, is controversial.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of H. pylori infection with colon neoplasia by meta-analysis of all relevant studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pooled estimates were obtained using fixed or random-effects models as appropriate. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using the Cochran Q-test, whereas the likelihood of publication bias was assessed by constructing funnel plots.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 238 potentially relevant studies, 210 were rejected as unsuitable and 28 studies were finally eligible for meta-analysis, including a total of 33 sets of data (17 on colon cancer and 16 on colon polyps). There was evidence of heterogeneity (I=57.37%); thus, the random-effects model of meta-analysis was chosen, showing pooled odds ratio (OR) equal to 1.41 [95% confidence interval 1.24-1.60, P=0.000]. The subgroup meta-analyses showed a significant relationship between H. pylori and colon cancer as well as colon polyps [OR 1.3 (1.07-1.59), P=0.01 and OR 1.5 (1.26-1.79), P=0.000, respectively].
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this meta-analysis showed a modest statistically significant relationship of H. pylori infection with both colon cancer and polyps.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Clinic, 'Henry Dunant Hospital', Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Theodore
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rokkas
authors.forename: Panos
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sechopoulos
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pistiolas
authors.forename: Fotis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kothonas
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Margantinis
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Koukoulis
mesh_terms: D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000382:microbiology*; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000382:microbiology*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity